If you live in North Texas, you already know, hail season is no joke. At Accelerate Auto Repair and Collision, we see firsthand how quickly a storm can turn into thousands of dollars in vehicle damage.
Today, we’re breaking down exactly what you need to know about hail, how to protect your vehicle, and what to do if your car gets hit.
⚠️ How Big Does Hail Need to Be to Cause Damage?
Here’s the reality:
👉 Hail as small as 1 inch in diameter can damage your vehicle
To put that in perspective:
- 🟢 Golf ball = ~1.68 inches
- 🎾 Tennis ball = ~2.7 inches
If hail is anywhere near that size, you’re almost guaranteed to see:
- Dents across hood, roof, and trunk
- Cracked or chipped paint
- Broken trim or lights
And yes, we’ve seen hail in Texas reach tennis ball size and larger. At that point, damage isn’t a question—it’s a certainty.
🚨 What To Do DURING a Hailstorm
When hail starts falling, speed matters.
✅ 1. Get Cover Immediately
- Pull under a gas station canopy
- Use covered parking if nearby
- Seek shelter under an overpass (safely, off to the side)
⚠️ Important:
Other drivers may not stop, may not be aware of traffic, or may create a dangerous situation.
✅ 2. Avoid Open Exposure
If you stay exposed:
- Your hood and roof take the full impact
- Glass and trim components are at risk
- Damage multiplies within minutes
Even a 2–3 minute delay can significantly increase repair costs.
🔧 What To Do AFTER Hail Damage
If your vehicle has been hit, here’s how to handle it properly:
📸 1. Document the Damage
Take clear photos of:
- Roof
- Hood
- Trunk
- Side panels
This helps with:
- Insurance claims
- Repair estimates
- Protecting yourself from disputes
📞 2. Contact Your Insurance Company
Hail damage is typically covered under comprehensive insurance.
Be ready to provide:
- Photos
- Date/time of storm
- Location
👉 Pro tip: File your claim quickly; hail events create a backlog fast.
🏆 3. Choose the RIGHT Repair Shop
This is where most people make a costly mistake.
You want a shop that is:
✔️ I-CAR Gold Certified (collision expertise)
✔️ ASE Certified (mechanical expertise)
✔️ Experienced with hail damage repair & insurance claims
At Accelerate Auto Repair and Collision, we check all three boxes—and bring 100+ years of combined collision repair experience to the table.
🛠️ Why Certification Matters
Not all body shops are equal.
🔹 I-CAR Gold Certification
- Industry standard for collision repair excellence
- Ensures proper repair methods
- Protects vehicle safety systems
🔹 ASE Certification
- Focuses on mechanical accuracy and reliability
👉 For hail damage, I-CAR Gold is critical; it ensures your vehicle is restored correctly, not just cosmetically.
🚫 Watch Out for These Common Mistakes
❌ Going to a shop that won’t work with your insurance
❌ Choosing the cheapest estimate over quality
❌ Waiting too long to file a claim
❌ Ignoring minor dents (they can worsen over time)
💡 Why Some Shops Avoid Insurance Work
This is a big one that most people don’t realize:
Many shops today refuse to work with certain insurance companies due to:
- Delayed payments
- Pricing disputes
- Administrative headaches
👉 That leaves YOU stuck in the middle. At Accelerate Auto Repair and Collision, we work with all major insurance carriers, so you don’t have to deal with that stress.
📍 Local Help When You Need It Most
A well-tuned engine will always use less fuel than a neglected one. When you bring your vehicle in for a service If you’re in Rowlett, TX or the surrounding Dallas area, hail damage isn’t a matter of if, it’s when.
When it happens, you need:
- Fast response
- Honest guidance
- High-quality repairs
That’s exactly what we deliver.
🚗 Final Thoughts
Hail damage can feel overwhelming, but if you act quickly and choose the right team, the process becomes much smoother.
Remember:
✔️ Get to cover immediately
✔️ Document damage
✔️ File your claim fast
✔️ Choose a certified, experienced repair shop
📞 Need Help After a Hailstorm?
If your vehicle was caught in a storm, don’t wait.
Contact Accelerate Auto Repair and Collision today, we’ll walk you through the entire process and get your vehicle back to pre-storm condition the right way.
📍 Location: Rowlett, Texas
📞 Call Us: 469-501-5115
🌐 Visit us online: AccelerateAutoRepair.com
Your car. Fixed right! 💪🚗
DOES YOUR CAR HAVE HAIL DAMAGE? LET’S TALK
Did your vehicle get hit by a recent or prior storm? Reach out for a free estimate. We’re here to help! 🚙⚙️